Elizaveta Chubakova on the ideal scenario for the development of pet-friendly culture: “This is a world in which every pet is needed, cared and loved”

The details of the concept and the prospects for the development of infrastructure for pets on KZN.RU

According to the results of the 2023 All-Russian Pet Census, there are almost 500 thousand pets in Kazan: 364 thousand cats and 126 thousand dogs. The number of pets in Russia is increasing annually, leading to the development of a pet-friendly culture. The correspondent of the KZN portal spoke with Elizaveta Chubakova, a resident of the city and community manager of the Dog Friendly Tatarstan project, about the philosophy and its development in Kazan.

“When people think about dog- or pet-friendly culture, people often imagine a cafe with a sign indicating that pets are welcome. Of course, these facilities are part of a pet-friendly culture, however, on a global scale, it also means creating an environment that is open to animals and takes into account their needs. This involves developing a responsible approach to the care and pet education issues, as well as creating a legal framework,”- explained Elizaveta Chubakova.

The Dog-Friendly Tatarstan initiative was launched by the Institute for Urban Development at the end of 2022. During this time, three dog parks and training facilities have been established by a project team. Two of these facilities are located in the parks of Svetlaya Dolina and Salavat Kupere residential areas. Another facility has recently opened in Almetyevsk. Four more facilities are currently being designed.

There are seventeen dog walking grounds in Kazan, and another one is currently being set up in a park on Zarya Street.

Dog boxes with plastic waste bags have been installed in several public spaces, including the parks Black Lake and Komsomolets. They can also be found near the residential complexes Svetlaya Dolina and Salavat Kupere, as well as on the boulevard along Fuchika Street and in the Gorkinsko-Ometyevsky forest, which also has a vending machine that sells toys, treats, and pet waste bags.

Elizaveta Chubakova believes that the introduction of a pet-friendly environment in various areas will have a positive effect on both pet owners and those who do not own pets. If it becomes the norm for society to take a responsible approach towards the care and upbringing of pets, then residents will encounter well-behaved and well-managed pets on the streets. Walking areas would divide the flows and provide a legal space for pets.

In general, a pet-friendly environment provides safe and comfortable conditions for everyone, including pets and their owners as well as people without pets. This development is seen as an important step for cities, as it not only creates a high-quality urban environment but also reflects a culture of respect for animals and good behavior in society.

Answering the question about the ideal pet-friendly environment, Elizaveta Chubakova emphasized that we are talking about a world without conflicts between people with pets and those without them. In this world, everyone understands and accepts their responsibility towards animals. It is thanks to the responsible attitude of people that the number of abandoned, lost, and homeless animals is reduced. “In this ideal world, every pet is valued, loved, and cared,”- concluded Chubakova.